Tinker AFB Among Finalists For New Tanker Fleet

There could be new planes circling over the metro. The aircraft could bring tens of millions of dollar to Oklahoma's economy.

The deal could be big one. Tinker is not only in the top ten but has cracked the top four. And those planes we're talking about have been labeled essential by the air force, because they're part of the tanker fleet used to refuel planes in the air.

Now Tinker Air Force Base is one of four finalists for the new fleet. The testing for the planes at Tinker will be May 18.

If Tinker gets the contract, it will be a huge win for the state and local economy. Mainly because the refuel fleet there already values at about $28 million.

But, it won't be until about 2019 before those planes will be built.

Air force officials will now travel to all four sites to survey the bases, and surveys are expected to continue throughout the summer.